Tickseed Coreopsis Coreopsis lanceolata Lanceleaf coreopsis Lanceleaf tickseed Sand coreopsis Tickseed
Tickseed Coreopsis is a prominent glade perennial. The name comes from a combination of two Greek words: “koris,” meaning bedbug, and “opsis,” meaning view, or “resembling a bug” because its seeds somewhat resemble ticks. This plant is a member of the aster family, asteraceae. There are 6 species of Coreopsis recorded for Missouri. We also have 11 species in the genus Bidens (beggar’s ticks), which can be confused with Coreopsis species. It grows natively in rocky prairies, glades, tops of bluffs, sandy open areas, and along roadsides and railroads. It is cultivated statewide and commonly escapes into natural habitats. CLASS: Glade herbaceous perennial (2’ tall) COMPOSITION: Dense near ground, airy near flowerhead LIGHT PREFERENCE: Full sun - part shade BLOOM: April - June FLOWER COLOR: Yellow FRUITS: n/a LEAVES: Narrow, deeply cut, opposite, 3”-4” long SOIL: Dry, excellent drainage The achenes (as the seedlike fruits of members of the sunflower family are called) provide food for birds and small mammals. Bees, birds, and butterflies are quite fond of coreopsis. It is a common component of pollinator gardens and native wildflower mixes. The National Garden Bureau named 2018 the “Year of the Coreopsis,” praising its sunny beauty, propensity for lending itself to creating gorgeous hybrids, and
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prolific growth, especially in midwestern, southern, and southeastern states. Coreopsis has long been used by Native American people for dye and as an herbal remedy. The Lakota people use it for tea. Traditional Cherokee medicine uses an infusion of the roots to help treat diarrhea. Cherokee, White Mountain Apache, and Zuni people make dye with the flowers, and traditional Navajo medicine enlists the plant’s help in treating various reproductive issues. Recent studies revealed the antileukemic potential of the yellow petals of coreopsis lanceolata. The total flavanoid content showed the inhibition of cell proliferation and possible induction of apoptosis in human leukemia. Phenols and flavanoitds derived from coreopsis lanceolata showed protective effects against radical-induced oxidative damage and attenuated toxicity in cells. In a recent study, it was reported that compounds isolated from these edible flowers have high neuroprotective effects in various cells. PROPERTIES: bioactive compounds (antileukemic), rare flavonoids, flavanone, chalcones, aurones, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, phenolic compounds, anti-diabetic, anti-allergenic, acetylene compounds, HISTORIC MEDICINAL USES: diarrhea, reproductive support, diabetes, allergies, cancer, balance metabolism
